Chapter 1 1

Mila.

It was my birthday today, and man, I was over the moon. Finally, at 18, I could pack up and leave this nightmare behind. No more dealing with my drunk, abusive dad or that wicked stepmom of mine.

I had no clue how they even got married in the first place. All I knew was that my real mom had bailed on the house because she couldn't take him anymore. She hated his guts so much she just up and left.

Turns out, she never even divorced the jerk. But honestly? I didn't give a damn about their messy marriage drama. All I cared about was breaking free from this hellhole and starting fresh somewhere new.

A whole new life, you know? I had big plans: finish my senior year of high school, then use the college money my mom stashed away for me, plus whatever help I could get from my grandma.

Thank God my dad had no idea about that cash. Way back when she left, she snuck into my room one night, tears in her eyes. "Mila, baby, forgive me for leaving you here with him," she whispered, hugging me tight.

"He's no good, but I can't fight anymore. Use the money I saved-it's for your future." Then she was gone, just like that.

If I'm being real, I didn't blame her one bit. She was sick, dying from some awful illness, and he still beat her senseless. Mental abuse, emotional torture, punches that left her black and blue-he did it all.

I always thought I was tougher than her, that I could stand up to him without crumbling. But nah, that was just wishful thinking. After she left, he turned all that rage on me. I became his punching bag, his easy target.

Deep down, though, I missed her like crazy. Part of me hoped we'd reunite someday, if she was still out there fighting. But today? It was just another day in my crazy world, except now I was legal. Free to do whatever. I decided to head to school early, beat the rush.

School was a million times better than home. Staying there meant slaving away like a maid-cleaning, cooking, taking hits. My stepmom was a nightmare, always bossing me around, but she was nothing compared to my dad. That was the worst part of it all.

At school, things were different. Sure, repeating classes got boring as hell, but I busted my butt for straight A's. I needed those good grades for a top college or a scholarship.

Mom's money wasn't some huge fortune-not even a million bucks. So, I was hunting for a part-time job too, something to cover rent if the dorms were full. I had it all mapped out, especially after the way my dad started getting too touchy lately.

Beating? I could handle that. But the thought of him... yeah, no way. I wasn't sticking around for that.

I scanned the hallway for Helen, my best friend. She was gorgeous, but that old-lady name? I teased her about it nonstop. "Hey, Helen, you look like you stepped out of a grandma's photo album!" I'd say, and we'd crack up. School was my escape-I joined clubs, acted silly, let loose. No chains holding me back, no gag on my mouth like at home.

I spotted her by the lockers and waved. She rushed over, grinning big. "Mila! Happy birthday, girl! You're officially an adult-watch out, world!"

"Thanks, Helen! Feels good, doesn't it?" I hugged her tight. "So, spill-what's the plan for today? We gotta make it epic."

She linked arms with me, walking toward class. "Epic? Honey, with your luck? But seriously, what are you doing to celebrate? Party? Cake? Or just surviving another day?"

I winked, keeping it light. "Run away, that's the plan. Far, far away from you-know-who."

We both laughed, but I saw the worry in her eyes. She knew everything-how my dad wasn't just mean, he was dangerous. Back when I was a kid, I'd show up to school covered in bruises, scrapes, even broken bones from falls he caused. Sprained arms, limping legs-no one helped.

Not teachers, not friends. Nobody. At home, he'd blame me for every little thing, especially why Mom left. "It's your fault she ran, you little shit!" he'd yell, then bam-a fist to my face. It was normal, like brushing my teeth.

But today was my day. I wouldn't let him ruin it. After the final bell, I bolted out, racing home to grab my stuff and go.

The second I pushed open the front door, there he was-Dad, lurking by the entrance, eyes narrowed like a predator. He'd been waiting, I could tell.

I ignored him, heading straight to the kitchen for a quick bite. Where's that stepmom? I glanced around-no sign of her. Panic hit me hard. This wasn't good.

He let out this ugly, booming laugh. "Well, look who showed up! It's your fucking birthday, bitch! Special day for my little princess."

I rolled my eyes, stomach twisting. "Not today, Dad. Please, just... let me be." I begged, voice shaky.

But he was already sloshed, like always by afternoon. Stinking of booze, he lunged, slamming me against the wall. His breath hot on my face. "Watch your mouth, girl, or I'll end you right here." His hand squeezed my arm, pain shooting through me. I screamed, couldn't help it.

"What... what could go wrong today?" I gasped, trying to stay calm, push him off, get my feet under me.

He raised an eyebrow, smirking like the devil. "Oh, plenty. Remember when your mom ditched me? I blew every cent on drugs, booze, nights with whores-and yeah, that bitch upstairs helped spend it. But I turned it around. Bought my dream nightclub. Money wasn't mine, though-borrowed from a big-shot businessman. Two years later, he wants it back. With interest."

He leaned in closer, his body pinning mine. I took a nervous breath. "I... I don't get it. You make decent money now. Just pay him back, right? What's the big deal?"

Dad's grin turned evil, eyes gleaming. "Oh, sure. But why pay cash when I got something better? Something he wants more."

I froze, brain spinning. What the hell was he talking about? "Then give him whatever it is! Just settle it!"

He moved fast, trapping me between his arms and chest. I felt trapped, like a mouse in a cage. "And he said yes. So... from now on, you're his. Payment in full."